A federal judge in Georgia has made a strong statement supporting the role of citizen jurors in punishing corporations for reckless misconduct that injures consumers. In a case brought against corporate giant Johnson & Johnson for selling a defective medical device that caused a woman to suffer years of recurring infections and abscesses, a federal court jury awarded money damages to compensate the victim but also awarded $4M in punitive damages to punish the corporation for continuing to sell the product despite being aware of its defects. In rejecting Johnson & Johnson’s post-trial motion to vacate the jury’s punitive damage award, the judge wrote:

"After the jury is dismissed thinking that justice has been done, losing lawyers — well trained in dissecting every comma and spinning every word — mine the written transcript to weave a different story, one that suits their purposes but is often very different than what was actually experienced by that fact-finding jury.” These words demonstrate how important jury trials are in protecting the rights of individual citizens against well-funded corporate wrongdoing. It also shows how critical it is that judges who will respect and protect individual rights be appointed throughout the country.

Robert P. Schuster, P.C. has investigated personal injury and wrongful death cases ---and successfully held companies accountable---for decades. We have achieved unparalleled success in North Dakota, Wyoming, New Mexico, Illinois, and elsewhere by relying on basic, fundamental principles. Caring for and believing in our clients. Thorough investigation and preparation. Creative and strategic focus. Unrelenting hard work. If you or a family member have suffered a personal injury or death, the lawyers and staff at Robert P. Schuster, P.C., will be happy to answer your questions and assist you in any way we can. Please call us at 1.307.732.7800---or email Bob Schuster directly at bob@bobschuster.com.